Forestry Minister Raja Juli Returns Kuansing Regent's Gratuity, Here Are the Rules

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni reported the rejection of a gratuity from Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing) Regent Suhardiman Amby to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Friday, 3 July 2026. ‘Last Friday, the Forestry Minister submitted a report on the rejection of a gratuity to the KPK,’ said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in a written statement on Monday (6/7). Budi stated that the team from the KPK’s Directorate of Gratuities and Public Services would conduct verification and analysis. The KPK will subsequently announce whether the report can be followed up. He explained that the process and mechanism are based on KPK Regulation Number 1 of 2026, which amends Commission Regulation Number 2 of 2019 on Gratuity Reporting. The regulation stipulates that civil servants or state officials who reject gratuities may report the rejection. The regulation also outlines that the reporter must include the gratuity object if originality testing or verification is required, though easily perishable food and beverages are exempt and may be directly distributed for social benefit. Reports can also be rejected if the object is perishable and unsellable, the report is filed incorrectly, an investigation is already underway, or it is suspected to be linked to a criminal act. Raja Juli previously stated that he had returned an envelope given by the Kuansing regent approximately 17 days before the KPK conducted a sting operation against Suhardiman. He explained that the meeting at the Ministry of Forestry office was official and open, initiated by a formal request from the local government, published on social media, and documented with an attendance list and minutes ready for submission to the KPK if needed. After the meeting, he noticed a sealed envelope left behind by the regent and immediately ordered his aide to return it, claiming he did not know its contents and felt he had no right to it. Meanwhile, the KPK has named Suhardiman, along with Kuansing Regional Secretary Zulkarnain and PT Mitra Ideal Consultant Director Ardiles, as suspects in a bribery case related to job appointments and the release of limited production forest areas. The suspects are currently detained for 20 days until 20 July 2026.